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Semper Fidelis
Shawn McClellan fights rain, leeches, malaria, and seemingly pointless battles in the heartless Vietnamese, jungle, sustained by his faith in God and in the Marine Corps
376 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
248 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Johnnie M. Clark
11 books22 followersLibrarian Note: Also writes as Johnnie Clark
Johnnie Clark was wounded 3 times with famous 5th Marine Regiment as a machine gunner. He was awarded the Silver Star, 3 Purple Hearts, The Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry among other decorations. GUNS UP! was his first book, a non-fiction classic now in a 34th printing. It has been required reading in many high schools and colleges as well as the Commandant's list for suggested reading for all Marines. His second novel SEMPER FIDELIS also made the Commandant's list. Johnnie has two children Shawn and Bonnie. He lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with his wife, Nancy and dog Gunner. He owns and operates Johnnie Clark Tae Kwon Do and Judo School, A Christian Do Jang. He is an 8th Dan Grandmaster. He is a member of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Johnnie Clark was wounded 3 times with famous 5th Marine Regiment as a machine gunner. He was awarded the Silver Star, 3 Purple Hearts, The Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry among other decorations. GUNS UP! was his first book, a non-fiction classic now in a 34th printing. It has been required reading in many high schools and colleges as well as the Commandant's list for suggested reading for all Marines. His second novel SEMPER FIDELIS also made the Commandant's list. Johnnie has two children Shawn and Bonnie. He lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with his wife, Nancy and dog Gunner. He owns and operates Johnnie Clark Tae Kwon Do and Judo School, A Christian Do Jang. He is an 8th Dan Grandmaster. He is a member of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
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October 8, 2017
I've read Johnnie Clark's first book, "Guns-Up" maybe about twenty years ago and loved it and was surprised when I saw "Semper Fidelis" offered by the same author and quickly downloaded it. I wasn't disappointed!
This is a story about three high-school friends who join the Marines on the buddy plan right after graduation. It's 1967 and Shawn is the main character. All three end up in Vietnam, in fact, Shawn and Luke went to the same squad in the 5th Marines and were quickly assigned as the Machine gunner and assistant. Their other friend, Joe went to another unit.
Right from the start, both are alienated and basically ignored by their fellow squad members and it didn't take long before the call for "guns-up" echoed through the line of soldiers when the enemy was spotted. Shawn was quite religious and soon befriended the division chaplain. The platoon is guided by a North American Indian sergeant referred as "The Chief" and a formidable lieutenant as they hump endlessly through the jungles looking for the elusive enemy. The author's writing made me feel as if I was right there with the platoon - characters are well developed and readers will chose their favorites as time goes on. As the lunar New Year (TET) arrived, readers follow the platoon to Hue where they participate in house-to-house fighting and learn of the atrocities by the communists.
After six months, the three friends meet in Australia for R&R that doesn't work out quite the way they intended. Nevertheless, they all return to Vietnam refreshed and renewed for the second half of their tour. It is a difficult time for all of them - they've already been wounded twice and one more time was an automatic trip out of the war. However, their exit may not be as they hoped. They patrol through the An Hoa Valley, Khe Sahn, Phu Bai, and finally in the "Arizona Territory" for a showdown at "Dodge City" where firefights become the norm every day and night.
Johnnie Clark also shows readers what it was like when veterans returned from Vietnam. Protestors met the Marines upon their arrival in the U.S. - shocking most as they were blamed for everything that happened during the war. It was an extremely difficult time for all. This is a book that everyone should read to get an understanding of what these young men experienced and the sacrifices they endured.
Johnnie Clark - thank you for this story...thank you for your service...Welcome Home!
John Podlaski, author
"Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel" and "When Can I Stop Running?"
This is a story about three high-school friends who join the Marines on the buddy plan right after graduation. It's 1967 and Shawn is the main character. All three end up in Vietnam, in fact, Shawn and Luke went to the same squad in the 5th Marines and were quickly assigned as the Machine gunner and assistant. Their other friend, Joe went to another unit.
Right from the start, both are alienated and basically ignored by their fellow squad members and it didn't take long before the call for "guns-up" echoed through the line of soldiers when the enemy was spotted. Shawn was quite religious and soon befriended the division chaplain. The platoon is guided by a North American Indian sergeant referred as "The Chief" and a formidable lieutenant as they hump endlessly through the jungles looking for the elusive enemy. The author's writing made me feel as if I was right there with the platoon - characters are well developed and readers will chose their favorites as time goes on. As the lunar New Year (TET) arrived, readers follow the platoon to Hue where they participate in house-to-house fighting and learn of the atrocities by the communists.
After six months, the three friends meet in Australia for R&R that doesn't work out quite the way they intended. Nevertheless, they all return to Vietnam refreshed and renewed for the second half of their tour. It is a difficult time for all of them - they've already been wounded twice and one more time was an automatic trip out of the war. However, their exit may not be as they hoped. They patrol through the An Hoa Valley, Khe Sahn, Phu Bai, and finally in the "Arizona Territory" for a showdown at "Dodge City" where firefights become the norm every day and night.
Johnnie Clark also shows readers what it was like when veterans returned from Vietnam. Protestors met the Marines upon their arrival in the U.S. - shocking most as they were blamed for everything that happened during the war. It was an extremely difficult time for all. This is a book that everyone should read to get an understanding of what these young men experienced and the sacrifices they endured.
Johnnie Clark - thank you for this story...thank you for your service...Welcome Home!
John Podlaski, author
"Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel" and "When Can I Stop Running?"
September 15, 2018
OUTSTANDING! Writing that rings true! Well done Marine, Semper Fi!
OUTSTANDING! The reader should know up front, this isn't a pretty book. BECAUSE of this I think it is a "must read" as It baldly shows the experiences of our Service Members in Vietnam (and somewhat universally) and also defies the frequent FALSE accusations of our warfighters as so-called "baby killers" by giving actual examples of OUR forces being killed because they wouldn't fire on civillians while the enemy (BOTH then & now) having NO problem taking advantage of this reluctance! It became quickly obvious to me before I saw the credits at the end that the author had spent time "at the sharp end of the spear"! Despite my not serving in the same branch of service as the author, and thankfully having served in peacetime, much of the book resonated with me & my early service experiences. Including the "delicious" taste of C-Rats.
I'm planning on reading his other books after I decompress from the ending...
I was lucky enough to not see combat, but since I WAS in a combat Arms unit I met many others who HAD "seen the elephant" that I learned from & talked with daily. I've also spent many hours when my buddy (who's seen two "incidents" & one war) needed to talk things out with someone that understood. It's very true that civillians can't understand the military experience (and usually don't WANT to).
Often attributed to Winston Churchhill, an April 1993 Washington Times essay by Richard Grenier said: "When the country is in danger, the military’s mission is to wreak destruction upon the enemy. It’s a harsh and bloody business, but that’s what the military’s for. As George Orwell pointed out, people sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
In his 1945 "Notes on Nationalism", Orwell wrote that pacifists cannot accept the statement "Those who 'abjure' violence can do so only because others are committing violence on their behalf.", despite it being "grossly obvious."
In 1981 Richard Grenier published a review of the film “Breaker Morant” titled “The Uniforms That Guard Us” in Commentary magazine. The article discussed Orwell and Kipling, and it included two of the quotations listed above. Grenier also used the phrase “rough men” when describing an attitude advanced by the movie: It burns with a white rage against societies as a whole, from military leaders and chiefs of state to (more common in our time) comfortable civilians in easy chairs, who send rough men out to serve their interests brutally, murderously (what is war?), and then—when circumstances change and in the exquisite safety and fastidiousness of their living rooms they suddenly find these rough men’s actions repugnant—disown them.
In 1997 a piece by the National Review columnist Kate O’Beirne included a saying attributed to Orwell. The words were identical to those used by Grenier; however, quotation marks were placed around the key sentence: George Orwell displayed more understanding of the reality of combat in one sentence: “People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.”
Personally, while I ALWAYS make certain to give proper credit to those who saw combat & especially those who gave Abraham Lincoln's "Last full measure of devotion", I take simple pride in this quote: "A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, National Guard, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The 'United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including my life" (Author unknown)
The author rang truest in the way he showed the interactions between the men. And MEN they were, regardless of chronological age! The friendships forged between brothers transcends race, religion & background. ALL you care about is whether or not someone will have your back without you're needing to ask for it. And brothers you truly have.
As it was said: We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my Brother; be he ne'er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition; And gentlemen in England now a-bed Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.
The confusion these grunts lived with on a daily basis is another truth. Grunts get a LOT of "Hurry up & wait!" but are rarely, if ever given the full scope of information needed to have a clear overall picture. But I will say that from what I've seen in documentaries made in the decades since I got out, the military does a far better job of giving information now, and our military is one of the rare few that value & reward initiative! So they provide better data to the troops to further foster this. In closing, I'll say again, Well Done, Semper Fi!
*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Cris...
The St Crispin's Day speech was delivered on 25 October 1415 by King Henry V of England to rouse his soldiers on the morning of the Battle of Agincourt, and later chronicled by William Shakespeare in his play, Henry V, King Henry V urged his men — who were vastly outnumbered by the French — to recall how the English had previously inflicted great defeats upon the French. He also touched upon a universal truth.
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gettysb... "that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion"
*https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/List_of... for "rough men stand ready"
Other books by Johnnie Clark (several available for Kindle Unlimited)
Guns Up!: A Firsthand Account of the Vietnam War Feb 02, 2011 by Johnnie Clark
The Old Corps (The Old Corps & No Better Way to Die Book 1) Dec 13, 2013 by Johnnie Clark smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HB5ICTS/
No Better Way To Die: A novel based on the courage and sacrifice of a real three-war Marine (The Old Corps & No Better Way to Die Book 2) Feb 11, 2015 smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TIVG67S/
Gunner's Glory: Untold Stories of Marine Machine Gunners Dec 18, 2007 by Johnnie M. Clark smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XU4SIM/
OUTSTANDING! The reader should know up front, this isn't a pretty book. BECAUSE of this I think it is a "must read" as It baldly shows the experiences of our Service Members in Vietnam (and somewhat universally) and also defies the frequent FALSE accusations of our warfighters as so-called "baby killers" by giving actual examples of OUR forces being killed because they wouldn't fire on civillians while the enemy (BOTH then & now) having NO problem taking advantage of this reluctance! It became quickly obvious to me before I saw the credits at the end that the author had spent time "at the sharp end of the spear"! Despite my not serving in the same branch of service as the author, and thankfully having served in peacetime, much of the book resonated with me & my early service experiences. Including the "delicious" taste of C-Rats.
I'm planning on reading his other books after I decompress from the ending...
I was lucky enough to not see combat, but since I WAS in a combat Arms unit I met many others who HAD "seen the elephant" that I learned from & talked with daily. I've also spent many hours when my buddy (who's seen two "incidents" & one war) needed to talk things out with someone that understood. It's very true that civillians can't understand the military experience (and usually don't WANT to).
Often attributed to Winston Churchhill, an April 1993 Washington Times essay by Richard Grenier said: "When the country is in danger, the military’s mission is to wreak destruction upon the enemy. It’s a harsh and bloody business, but that’s what the military’s for. As George Orwell pointed out, people sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
In his 1945 "Notes on Nationalism", Orwell wrote that pacifists cannot accept the statement "Those who 'abjure' violence can do so only because others are committing violence on their behalf.", despite it being "grossly obvious."
In 1981 Richard Grenier published a review of the film “Breaker Morant” titled “The Uniforms That Guard Us” in Commentary magazine. The article discussed Orwell and Kipling, and it included two of the quotations listed above. Grenier also used the phrase “rough men” when describing an attitude advanced by the movie: It burns with a white rage against societies as a whole, from military leaders and chiefs of state to (more common in our time) comfortable civilians in easy chairs, who send rough men out to serve their interests brutally, murderously (what is war?), and then—when circumstances change and in the exquisite safety and fastidiousness of their living rooms they suddenly find these rough men’s actions repugnant—disown them.
In 1997 a piece by the National Review columnist Kate O’Beirne included a saying attributed to Orwell. The words were identical to those used by Grenier; however, quotation marks were placed around the key sentence: George Orwell displayed more understanding of the reality of combat in one sentence: “People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.”
Personally, while I ALWAYS make certain to give proper credit to those who saw combat & especially those who gave Abraham Lincoln's "Last full measure of devotion", I take simple pride in this quote: "A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, National Guard, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The 'United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including my life" (Author unknown)
The author rang truest in the way he showed the interactions between the men. And MEN they were, regardless of chronological age! The friendships forged between brothers transcends race, religion & background. ALL you care about is whether or not someone will have your back without you're needing to ask for it. And brothers you truly have.
As it was said: We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my Brother; be he ne'er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition; And gentlemen in England now a-bed Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.
The confusion these grunts lived with on a daily basis is another truth. Grunts get a LOT of "Hurry up & wait!" but are rarely, if ever given the full scope of information needed to have a clear overall picture. But I will say that from what I've seen in documentaries made in the decades since I got out, the military does a far better job of giving information now, and our military is one of the rare few that value & reward initiative! So they provide better data to the troops to further foster this. In closing, I'll say again, Well Done, Semper Fi!
*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Cris...
The St Crispin's Day speech was delivered on 25 October 1415 by King Henry V of England to rouse his soldiers on the morning of the Battle of Agincourt, and later chronicled by William Shakespeare in his play, Henry V, King Henry V urged his men — who were vastly outnumbered by the French — to recall how the English had previously inflicted great defeats upon the French. He also touched upon a universal truth.
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gettysb... "that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion"
*https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/List_of... for "rough men stand ready"
Other books by Johnnie Clark (several available for Kindle Unlimited)
Guns Up!: A Firsthand Account of the Vietnam War Feb 02, 2011 by Johnnie Clark
The Old Corps (The Old Corps & No Better Way to Die Book 1) Dec 13, 2013 by Johnnie Clark smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HB5ICTS/
No Better Way To Die: A novel based on the courage and sacrifice of a real three-war Marine (The Old Corps & No Better Way to Die Book 2) Feb 11, 2015 smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TIVG67S/
Gunner's Glory: Untold Stories of Marine Machine Gunners Dec 18, 2007 by Johnnie M. Clark smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XU4SIM/
January 28, 2018
Larry's take
Outstanding book. Should be required reading in all literature courses in school. Lot of people did not understand the war in Viet Nam. I've read a lot of books on that war but I think Johnnie gave us the real view of it.
Outstanding book. Should be required reading in all literature courses in school. Lot of people did not understand the war in Viet Nam. I've read a lot of books on that war but I think Johnnie gave us the real view of it.
November 2, 2020
Touched me to my core
I was a teenager during the Vietnam war. I remember the protests, the war, the young men from our town that died or were wounded from that war, but I didn’t know the details of what those guys went through. This book allowed me to see what it was like. I am sure that no war is good, but this has to be the worst when you knew that no matter what you did, people in you own country were slamming you. I felt every step Shawn and his buddies took. I cried when there were deaths and horrific injuries. I felt all of Shawn’s pain. It was gut wrenching.
I did support our guys over there. I got a POW bracelet and wore it until I found out about my guy on the bracelet. He was found and came home. God bless all the Vietnam veterans along with all other veterans. They are the hero’s that have protected our country. They are the reason those protestors had the right to raise their voice. They are why we have our freedom!
I was a teenager during the Vietnam war. I remember the protests, the war, the young men from our town that died or were wounded from that war, but I didn’t know the details of what those guys went through. This book allowed me to see what it was like. I am sure that no war is good, but this has to be the worst when you knew that no matter what you did, people in you own country were slamming you. I felt every step Shawn and his buddies took. I cried when there were deaths and horrific injuries. I felt all of Shawn’s pain. It was gut wrenching.
I did support our guys over there. I got a POW bracelet and wore it until I found out about my guy on the bracelet. He was found and came home. God bless all the Vietnam veterans along with all other veterans. They are the hero’s that have protected our country. They are the reason those protestors had the right to raise their voice. They are why we have our freedom!
January 14, 2018
Outstanding book
I served in Phu Bai with the 101st Aborne division in 1968 and two more deployments in 1964,and in 1967 in helicopters. I know the grunts had it rough and now I know I have a better unstanding due to Semper Fidelis book. I know the grunts had a respect for us and we had the same for them. I want to say thanks to Mr Clark for his service and welcome home. I retired after 27 years as a CSM. I highly recommend this book to all who would like to know more about this terrible war and the life of those who served their country and we won the peace but the political system threw it away.
I served in Phu Bai with the 101st Aborne division in 1968 and two more deployments in 1964,and in 1967 in helicopters. I know the grunts had it rough and now I know I have a better unstanding due to Semper Fidelis book. I know the grunts had a respect for us and we had the same for them. I want to say thanks to Mr Clark for his service and welcome home. I retired after 27 years as a CSM. I highly recommend this book to all who would like to know more about this terrible war and the life of those who served their country and we won the peace but the political system threw it away.
May 25, 2024
Great book, only wish it was longer and expanded more on Shawn’s life outside of the war. Also wish he would have found his old girlfriend and that hippie she was with. Aside from that, great book and good story telling ability from the author. I could picture how difficult and stressful it would have been at that point in time in war. Loved reading about the build up to each engagement and all the small details surrounding life as a gunner in Vietnam. For sure gonna read his first book, guns up!
December 21, 2017
Takes you back
This book takes you back to some hard times both here and in Vietnam. I was never in service so I can't speak to his experience but I can tell you after reading Leon Uris's book Battle Cry this book is even more intense.
Corporal Clark, thank you for serving, thank you for telling us about it. A goodly part of the country should be ashamed of the way you and your brothers were treated upon your return. There it is.
This book takes you back to some hard times both here and in Vietnam. I was never in service so I can't speak to his experience but I can tell you after reading Leon Uris's book Battle Cry this book is even more intense.
Corporal Clark, thank you for serving, thank you for telling us about it. A goodly part of the country should be ashamed of the way you and your brothers were treated upon your return. There it is.
December 31, 2017
The division in America caused by the Vietnam war
Not many books highlight the difficulty faced by troops returning back home. In this particular combat, troops who had gone to fight after idealistically joining up, came back home not to an indifferent welcome, but to the active disapproval of their nation. This after placing their life in jeopardy for the same country that was now so vociferous in it's opprobrium.
Not many books highlight the difficulty faced by troops returning back home. In this particular combat, troops who had gone to fight after idealistically joining up, came back home not to an indifferent welcome, but to the active disapproval of their nation. This after placing their life in jeopardy for the same country that was now so vociferous in it's opprobrium.
August 2, 2021
2nd read for me!
The first time I read this book was in the fall of 1990 I was a Marine Corps 0311 on my way to Operation Desert Shield/Storm. It was a thoroughly enjoyable, moving and very relevant book to me personally. I went on to serve in Iraq in 2004-05, but this time as an Army infantryman but I'm always maintain my Marine Corps spirit. Thank you Mr Clark and Semper Fidelis!
The first time I read this book was in the fall of 1990 I was a Marine Corps 0311 on my way to Operation Desert Shield/Storm. It was a thoroughly enjoyable, moving and very relevant book to me personally. I went on to serve in Iraq in 2004-05, but this time as an Army infantryman but I'm always maintain my Marine Corps spirit. Thank you Mr Clark and Semper Fidelis!
December 20, 2017
The Real Viet Nam
Forget the glamorous Green Beret and other such war movies and experience the true horror of the Viet Nam war through the eyes of Johnnie Clark. Seldom does a writer bring to life in such graphic actions and scenes as reader's will visit here. Not for the weak at heart.
Forget the glamorous Green Beret and other such war movies and experience the true horror of the Viet Nam war through the eyes of Johnnie Clark. Seldom does a writer bring to life in such graphic actions and scenes as reader's will visit here. Not for the weak at heart.
December 23, 2017
Honor, Conviction, Courage
An excellent story about the trials, tribulations, growth and uncertainty of growing up during the Vietnam War as told through the eyes of a participating Marine. Johnnie M Clark brings the experience to life along with the roller coaster of emotions that our warriors struggled with. Great job on a great novel. Semper Fidelis!
An excellent story about the trials, tribulations, growth and uncertainty of growing up during the Vietnam War as told through the eyes of a participating Marine. Johnnie M Clark brings the experience to life along with the roller coaster of emotions that our warriors struggled with. Great job on a great novel. Semper Fidelis!
December 31, 2017
A good read.
Set in a time much like today when young men of strength and integrity stood up and answered their country's call. But then endured unspeakable horrors only to return to insult and abuse, a young man is forced to evaluate his faith. A good read and perhaps a difficult subject handled well.
Set in a time much like today when young men of strength and integrity stood up and answered their country's call. But then endured unspeakable horrors only to return to insult and abuse, a young man is forced to evaluate his faith. A good read and perhaps a difficult subject handled well.
January 1, 2018
A strong well written book with an interesting ending.
This book was written with a lot of fore thought of how a man could use his religious background to get him through some very tough times only to lose his way when he gets thru. This book has a feel-good ending and is well worth your time in reading it.
This book was written with a lot of fore thought of how a man could use his religious background to get him through some very tough times only to lose his way when he gets thru. This book has a feel-good ending and is well worth your time in reading it.
June 11, 2018
Awesome!!
This is the first book I have read about Nan. Now I understand a lot more of what went on. My ex husband was a Navy Corpsman who did 2 tours. Even though he was 8 years older than me, I made a quick study of what shattered. Thank you so much for writing this awesome book!!
This is the first book I have read about Nan. Now I understand a lot more of what went on. My ex husband was a Navy Corpsman who did 2 tours. Even though he was 8 years older than me, I made a quick study of what shattered. Thank you so much for writing this awesome book!!
January 12, 2018
Memories of The Vietnam War
I found this a good read. The story is told through the eyes of highschool buddies who joined the Marines to do their part in the Vietnam War. I stayed interested in the story from beginning to end. It brought back memories of the music and politics of at time period. I recommend this book to my friends.
I found this a good read. The story is told through the eyes of highschool buddies who joined the Marines to do their part in the Vietnam War. I stayed interested in the story from beginning to end. It brought back memories of the music and politics of at time period. I recommend this book to my friends.
January 14, 2018
Outstanding book for veterans
I would recommend this book to anyone who served in the military during the Vietnam War. This was more of a political war by the politicians who hampered the U. S. Military from doing the job they are trained to do. Many of these politicians should have been put in the front lines. They got a lot of GI's killed by their stupidity.
I would recommend this book to anyone who served in the military during the Vietnam War. This was more of a political war by the politicians who hampered the U. S. Military from doing the job they are trained to do. Many of these politicians should have been put in the front lines. They got a lot of GI's killed by their stupidity.
January 23, 2018
Those who serve
I was a member of Mobile Construction Battalion 133 (Seabees) arriving at Phu BAI COMBAT base in April 1968. Mr. Clarks descriptions of the remains of the city of Hue and the Truoi river bridge area brought back memories long forgotten. I too was outraged at the treatment of returning veterans.
I was a member of Mobile Construction Battalion 133 (Seabees) arriving at Phu BAI COMBAT base in April 1968. Mr. Clarks descriptions of the remains of the city of Hue and the Truoi river bridge area brought back memories long forgotten. I too was outraged at the treatment of returning veterans.
December 20, 2017
What a ride!
This was the best military story I've ever read. Mr. Clark kept the story rolling along like a high speed roller coaster. Great character development and accurate scene description. I couldn't put it down.
This was the best military story I've ever read. Mr. Clark kept the story rolling along like a high speed roller coaster. Great character development and accurate scene description. I couldn't put it down.
December 21, 2017
Semperr Fie
Tells it almost like it was during and after ascrewed up war where we couldn't win with our hands tied not allowed to a cross line when we were on the the as hold of winning
Tells it almost like it was during and after ascrewed up war where we couldn't win with our hands tied not allowed to a cross line when we were on the the as hold of winning
December 25, 2017
A great read, it made me cry & laugh.
As a Viet Nam vet (Army) I could feel and smell the place, the book mad me laugh many times and cry from the raw feelings expressed by the author. Great job one of the best books out of Nam, thanks Gunner.
As a Viet Nam vet (Army) I could feel and smell the place, the book mad me laugh many times and cry from the raw feelings expressed by the author. Great job one of the best books out of Nam, thanks Gunner.
December 26, 2017
A GREAT STORY!
Told with honesty = Unlike many "War Stories" this feels so real, as if it,s Mr. Clark's own story.....This author takes one to the heart of it...Characters who are unforgettable stay with you long after the story is done....
Told with honesty = Unlike many "War Stories" this feels so real, as if it,s Mr. Clark's own story.....This author takes one to the heart of it...Characters who are unforgettable stay with you long after the story is done....
December 27, 2017
Been there done that.
Was stationed In Danang during same time at the Naval Hospital just north of Marble Mountain. HM3 there during Tet. Just seems like yesterday. Great writing. You know he was there. Great account of FMF forces there.
Was stationed In Danang during same time at the Naval Hospital just north of Marble Mountain. HM3 there during Tet. Just seems like yesterday. Great writing. You know he was there. Great account of FMF forces there.
December 29, 2017
This book nailed it!
A fast paced novel that made me remember the way it was and how the country was devided about the war. This story is written from the fighting mans perspective and give some insight on the hardships of that war.
I would highly recommend this book.
A fast paced novel that made me remember the way it was and how the country was devided about the war. This story is written from the fighting mans perspective and give some insight on the hardships of that war.
I would highly recommend this book.
December 31, 2017
Great book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It helped me remember the feeling of brotherhood that can develop when your lives are in each other's hands. And how cruel people can be to our returning heros!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It helped me remember the feeling of brotherhood that can develop when your lives are in each other's hands. And how cruel people can be to our returning heros!
January 4, 2018
Always. Thanks
Thanks for a heart felt ending. I was uneasy with the battles but the read was well worth reading. I too thank a Christ who protected me through Nam and welcomed me back after 5 years back home. Thanks again
Thanks for a heart felt ending. I was uneasy with the battles but the read was well worth reading. I too thank a Christ who protected me through Nam and welcomed me back after 5 years back home. Thanks again
January 30, 2018
Excellent book rotten ending
The rotten ending isn't the one in the book it is the ending that most of these young men got when they returned home..
Thank you ALL for your sacrifice!
The rotten ending isn't the one in the book it is the ending that most of these young men got when they returned home..
Thank you ALL for your sacrifice!
March 18, 2018
Awsome
Best book on the Vietnam experience I've read. Encompasses all the positives and negatives that the war imposed on our veterans who fought there. Thank you for your sacrifices and service.
Best book on the Vietnam experience I've read. Encompasses all the positives and negatives that the war imposed on our veterans who fought there. Thank you for your sacrifices and service.
April 26, 2018
Good Book
I have often wondered how these men were able to live through such a horrific war. I found the story telling to take me there and could feel the adrenalin and fear in his writings. I am glad I picked the book up. Good read.
I have often wondered how these men were able to live through such a horrific war. I found the story telling to take me there and could feel the adrenalin and fear in his writings. I am glad I picked the book up. Good read.
May 28, 2018
Guns Up !! Engage & Prepare.
I loved every page bringing back similar memories of my Army years, and the wounded that I observed. I tried to help as best as I could, but some injuries are embedded in our souls.
I loved every page bringing back similar memories of my Army years, and the wounded that I observed. I tried to help as best as I could, but some injuries are embedded in our souls.
December 28, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book.
I thought this book was one of the best books on the Vetnam war that I have ever read. As much as I hate to admit it I had tears in my eyes at the end.
I thought this book was one of the best books on the Vetnam war that I have ever read. As much as I hate to admit it I had tears in my eyes at the end.
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